Discover the beauty and tranquility of traditional Japanese gardens in Tokyo with a licensed guide. Immerse yourself in the artistry of landscape and Zen gardens while experiencing the essence of Japanese culture.
Discover the beauty and tranquility of traditional Japanese gardens in Tokyo with a licensed guide. Immerse yourself in the artistry of landscape and Zen gardens while experiencing the essence of Japanese culture.
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Imperial Palace - This tour does not include access to the interior of the Imperial Palace
The current Imperial Palace is situated on the former site of Edo Castle, a vast park area encircled by moats and impressive stone walls in central Tokyo, just a short walk from Tokyo Station. It serves as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.
Edo…
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Imperial Palace - This tour does not include access to the interior of the Imperial Palace
The current Imperial Palace is situated on the former site of Edo Castle, a vast park area encircled by moats and impressive stone walls in central Tokyo, just a short walk from Tokyo Station. It serves as the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.
Edo Castle was once the seat of the Tokugawa shogun, who governed Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the nation’s capital and imperial residence were relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo. By 1888, the construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was destroyed during World War II but was subsequently rebuilt in the same style.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - This tour offers an efficient way to explore Tokyo in a single day. Meet at your hotel and then proceed to any destination of your choice.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine - Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located next to the JR Yamanote Line’s bustling Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the nearby Yoyogi Park form a large forested area within the densely built city. The expansive shrine grounds provide walking paths perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The shrine was completed and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the emperor’s passing and six years after the empress’s passing. The shrine was destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo’s oldest and finest Japanese gardens. It was constructed in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its counterpart in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to seek pleasure only after ensuring the happiness of his people. Koishikawa is the district where the garden is located.
- Hama Rikyu Gardens - Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū) is a large, attractive landscape garden in central Tokyo. Situated alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds that change level with the tides and a teahouse on an island where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.
- Rikugien Garden - Rikugien (六義園) is often regarded as Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese landscape garden alongside Koishikawa Korakuen. Built around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien literally means “six poems garden” and recreates in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. The garden is a prime example of an Edo Period strolling garden and features a large central pond surrounded by manmade hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.
- Yoyogi Park - Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi Kōen) is one of Tokyo’s largest city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds, and forested areas. It is an excellent place for jogging, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
Although Yoyogi Park has relatively few cherry trees compared to other sites in Tokyo, it is a pleasant spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Additionally, it is renowned for its ginkgo tree forest, which turns a vibrant golden in autumn.
- Yoyogi Park - A spacious Western-style park with wide lawns, trees, and ponds, popular among residents. Yoyogi Park is famous for its autumn leaves, especially the golden leaves of the many ginkgo trees.
- Ueno Park - Ueno Park boasts about half a dozen museums, a zoo, a Toshogu Shrine, and the Shinobazu Pond among its attractions. It is also Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom party spot.
- Koishikawa Botanical Garden - A spacious botanical garden maintained by the University of Tokyo, featuring a variety of tree and plant species, as well as a small Japanese landscape garden. It is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
- Koishikawa Korakuen Garden - A stunning Japanese landscape garden, representing famous Japanese and Chinese sceneries in miniature. It dates back to the early Edo Period and is delightful in all seasons.
- Former Shiba Rikyu Gardens - A green oasis surrounded by tall buildings, the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a traditional landscape garden with a pond and manmade hills. It was once part of the residence of feudal lords and later an imperial villa.
- Kiyosumi Teien - Kiyosumi Teien is a charming Japanese landscape garden with walking trails around a central pond. Some parts of the trails lead over stones placed into the pond.
- Nezu Museum - A true urban oasis, this stunning garden is a highlight of any visit to the Nezu Museum. Located in the stylish hub of Omotesando, the museum was formerly the private residence of Nezu Kaichiro and now houses his collection of Asian and Japanese art. Winding walkways, stone lanterns, paving stones, and a bamboo grove offer various viewpoints to explore around the hilly garden, filled with stone sculptures and several preserved tea houses. Perhaps most intriguing is the beautiful contrast between the garden’s vivid greens and classical features, with the museum’s modern glass architecture. The café, serving lunch and cakes, is a great place to enjoy the garden from as well.
- Happo-en Garden - Happo-en is a vast park in the Minato District. The name means, ‘The Garden of Eight Views’ for its appeal in all seasons and from all angles. The spacious grounds provide a stunning backdrop for photos, and the garden is a popular choice for wedding parties and photo shoots. A restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine overlooks the pond, and a teahouse offers tea ceremony etiquette lessons among other things. Call ahead to make reservations for their walking tours hosted on weekdays, which include a lunch at the restaurant and a tea ceremony (7700 yen per person). Reservations are not required for Muan Teahouse but are recommended for Enju, the kaiseki restaurant on the premises.
- Tokyo National Museum Garden - For a few weeks during the hanami (cherry blossoms) in spring, and during the koyo (autumn leaves) in November, the garden of the Tokyo National Museum opens to the public.
- Mejiro Garden - Mejiro Garden is a small and tranquil traditional Japanese garden located in the Mejiro area, very near Ikebukuro Station. The garden is admission-free and is a perfect oasis to escape the bustling streets of Tokyo. During the autumn leaves season, the garden hosts light-up events at night, and illuminated autumn foliage can be enjoyed only at this time of the year.

- Customizable Walking Tour of 3-4 sites
- Meet up with guide on foot in Tokyo
- Licensed Local English-speaking Guide
- Customizable Walking Tour of 3-4 sites
- Meet up with guide on foot in Tokyo
- Licensed Local English-speaking Guide
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Traditional and historical Japanese gardens are best sites to see Japanese aesthetics. Both artistic landscape gardens with seasonal plants and dry landscape gardens at Zen temples help you get relaxed for meditation. Visit various styled gardens and experience traditional Japanese spirits which are represented in plants, rocks, and total design.
Our…
Traditional and historical Japanese gardens are best sites to see Japanese aesthetics. Both artistic landscape gardens with seasonal plants and dry landscape gardens at Zen temples help you get relaxed for meditation. Visit various styled gardens and experience traditional Japanese spirits which are represented in plants, rocks, and total design.
Our government-licensed and experienced English-speaking guide will help you enjoy a 6hr private tour of the best Japanese gardens in Tokyo.
Select gardens from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. In addition to gardens, you may also choose any famous site in Tokyo for a truly memorable experience!
Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government.
Please consult with your guide beforehand as some gardens close on certain dates.
- Pick up is on foot. Not with a vehicle.
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.